Radio listeners weary of hearing the same songs over and over may
have something to cheer about: Broadcasters have tentatively agreed to
anti-payola settlements that could shake up music playlists at some of
the nation's largest radio chains.
Four major broadcast
companies would pay the government $12.5 million and provide 8,400
half-hour segments of free airtime for independent record labels and
local artists, The Associated Press has learned.
The
agreement is aimed at curbing payola -- generally defined as radio
stations accepting cash or other consideration from record companies in
exchange for airplay. The practice has been around as long as the radio
industry and was made illegal after scandals in the late 1950s.
Two
Federal Communications Commission officials, who spoke on condition of
anonymity because final language has not been approved by the full
commission, said the monetary settlement is part of a consent decree
between the FCC and Clear Channel Communications Inc., CBS Radio,
Entercom Communications Corp. and Citadel Broadcasting Corp.
The
settlement was reached at the same time as a separate deal designed to
lead to more airtime for smaller record companies and their
lesser-known artists as well as local musicians.
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